CHARLOTTE, N.C. — When the temperature starts to warm up, sometimes all we want to do is sit outside and enjoy the glorious weather with a drink in hand and some great music.
If that sounds like your idea of a good time, you’re in luck! The parks of uptown Charlotte – Romare Bearden Park, First Ward Park and Freedom Park – have free music coming your way all spring and summer long.
We’re breaking them all down for you so you know where, when and who is performing at each.
RomareFest
Date: May 19 from 6:00-9:00 pm
Location: Romare Bearden Park, 300 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Performers: Next Level Band & Marion Meadows
You should go if: You’re a music fan who loves variety. Next Level Band is an eight-piece party band that covers everything from Motown to beach music to Top 40 hits. Marion Meadows is a saxophonist who has played jazz, R&B and disco.
Live on the Green
Location: First Ward Park, 301 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Dates and Performers:
June 1, 7:00-10:00 pm – River Whyless w/ Sinners and Saints
June 2, 2:30-10:00 pm – Scythian w/ Fireside Collective, David Childers, Locust Honey, Chase Killough and High Water
June 15, 7:00-10:00 pm – Cris Jacobs Band w/ The Trongone Band
June 29, 7:00-10:00 pm – Donna the Buffalo w/ Josh Daniel & Mark Schimick Project
July 13, 7:00-10:00 pm – Amanda Shires w/ Becca Mancari
July 27, 7:00-10:00 pm – Time Sawyer w/ Scott Moss Band
August 10, 7:00-10:00 pm – Acoustic Syndicate w/ Yellow Feather
August 24, 7:00-10:00 pm – Front Country w/ Elonzo Wesley
September 14, 7:00-10:00 pm – Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen w/ Coddle Creek
September 15, 2:30-10:00 pm – The Black Lillies w/ Dangermuffin, Seth Walker, Flatland Tourists & Maya Beth Atkins
You should go if: You love bluegrass, folk and Americana music. Live on the Green attracts national acts as well as local talent, and it promises to be a great time.
Freedom Jazz Series
Location: Freedom Park, 1900 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203
Dates and Performers:
June 16, 6:00-9:00 pm – The Brubakers and Jonathan Fritzen
July 14, 6:00-9:00 pm – J’Michael Peeples and Art Sherrod, Jr.
August 11, 6:00-9:00 pm – Adrian Crutchfield and Gerald Veasley
You should go if: You love jazz music and/or chilling at Freedom Park.
Bearden Music Series
Location: Romare Bearden Park, 300 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Dates and Performers:
June 30, 6:00-9:00 pm – Blues Beatles (yes, they play the music of the Beatles in the style of the blues!)
July 28, 6:00-9:00 pm – Sidecar Social Club
August 25, 6:00-9:00 pm – Orquesta Mayor
September 22, 6:00-9:00 pm – Chubby Carrier
You should go if: Variety is the spice of your life, and you love a good cover band.
Bearden Birthday Bash
Location: Romare Bearden Park, 300 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Date: September 1 from 7:00-10:00 pm
Performers: Shableek and Ken Ford
You should go if: You love saxophone and/or electric violin and want to hear musicians who are masters of their craft. Ken Ford has played with a huge variety of musicians, including Bruno Mars, Jill Scott, Wyclef Jean, Chaka Khan, Ledisi, Brian Culbertson, the late Barry White, Erykah Badu and more. There’s truly something for everyone at the Bearden Birthday Bash!
